Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Area eateries celebrate in style

More than fifteen hundred years ago, an English priest named Patrick made a name for himself by bringing the Christian faith to the pagan Irish. Legend tells us, that one of the miracles he did to prove that his message was from God involved driving poisonous snakes off the island. Whether or not the legend is true, St. Patrick continues to be celebrated as the patron saint of the Emerald Isle. And no one knows how to celebrate like the Irish! Here are a few of the places around the Sound where you can raise a glass and maybe dance a jig in honor of St. Patty.

McNamara's Pub and Eatery

The St. Patrick's Day celebration at McNamara's Pub and Eatery on Garfield Street in Tacoma is too big to fit into just one day. So from 3 p.m. until midnight, Thursday the 17th and Friday the 18th, you'll find an outdoor beer garden featuring a live DJ along with three different brews from Guinness, Harp Lager, and a surprise IPA. Inside there will be a special menu filled with Irish treats both traditional and modern, including: Guinness Stew, Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Nachos, Reuben Rolls and more. The Irish band Banshie will perform live both nights from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., and bagpipes will make an appearance. For more information, check out their website at www.mcnamaraspubandeatery.com.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION, 3 p.m. to midnight, Thursday and Friday, March 17 and 18, McNamara's Pub and Eatery, 215 Garfield St. S., Tacoma, 253.964.9200, www.mcnamaraspubandeatery.com

Doyle's Public House

When you combine the biggest Irish holiday with one of the finest Irish pubs in the South Sound, you get a celebration that can't be contained in a single day. That's why Doyle's Public House is spreading this year's celebration over three days. On Friday, March 11, Saturday, March 12, and Thursday, March 17, Doyle's will feature 11 of the finest Irish bands in western Washington, including: the Bog Hoppers, the Delvan Lamarr Organ Trio, Stephanie Anne Johnson, Polecat, Andrew Landers, the Luke Stanton Band, Fields Under Clover, Rusty Cleavers, Staxx Brothers, Billy Stoops, and the Cottonwood Cutups. There will even be an appearance on St. Patrick's Day by the Pierce County Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps. The cost is $10 for the entire festival and tickets may be purchased ahead of time at doyles317.brownpapertickets.com. Alternatively, a $20 "Paddy Day Shirt Pass", which includes a three-day pass and a commemorative T-shirt, can be purchased directly from Doyle's. But you have to hurry! The shirts are limited and the festival tickets are only available until March 10. Tickets may also be available at the door.

Unable to contain their celebration of St. Patrick's Day to Thursday, O'Malley's Irish Pub in Tacoma will be celebrating Thursday, Friday and Saturday with live music from noon until close and a menu featuring traditional Irish fare. Thursday, March 17, they kick things off in style, opening at 9 a.m. and featuring a beer tent and a special appearance by the Puget Sound Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps.

O'Blarney's Irish Pub in Olympia will feature live music and dancing from 11 a.m. until midnight on St. Patrick's Day. The Comerford Irish Dancers will be featured in the bar at 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Torn Jacket will be serenading lunch and dinner diners in the main restaurant with acoustic Irish music. The Olympia Highlander Bagpipe Band will make appearances throughout the day, and Irish Rock Band Sla'nte will continue the festivities from 9 p.m. until midnight. The Cigar Daddies' Beer Garden will be open from 5 p.m. until close, and the restaurant will feature a special menu filled with Irish treats and holiday beverages. For more information or to make reservations, contact O'Blarney's at 360.459.8084.

The Schooner Pub and Galley in Lakewood will celebrate the patron saint of Ireland by offering corned beef and cabbage on the menu and Guiness beer on tap. There will be D.J. dancing from 11 a.m. until the pub closes at 1:45 a.m.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION, 11 a.m. to 1:45 a.m., Thursday, March 17, The Schooner, 5429 100 St. SW, Lakewood, 253.584.1919

The Ram

At its various locations around the Sound, The Ram will be offering a special Irish menu, including corned beef hash and green beer on tap. To make reservations or find out more, contact The Ram.

Lucky for you, these fine eating and drinking establishments have your St. Patrick's Day celebration covered. And you don't even need a four-leaf clover! Just wear the green and step on out for an evening of food and music and fun. Sla'inte!